Is it a Meltdown or a Tantrum? Interview with Dr. AnnLouise Lockhart

Did you know that there’s a difference between a meltdown and a tantrum? It’s important for parents and professionals to differentiate between the two because it gives us so much insight into our children and allows us to better support them in the best ways. Listen to this episode’s interview with Dr. AnnLouise Lockhart to find out how to identify the difference between a meltdown and a tantrum and some important tips to keep you on the right track. [continue reading]

How to have the “sensory cup” talk

One thing I’m always preaching to my clients, my in person clients, my virtual parent coaching clients and the parents in the Sensory WISE Solutions program is that it’s important to have the “sensory cup” talk with your child. You know, as long as they have the language capabilities to understand. It’s important for your child to understand that their brain processes sensory input differently and it’s even more important for them to understand that there’s nothing wrong with that. Listen to this episode to see how I talk about it with my 4 year old. [continue reading]

Is it Sensory or Is it Behavior?

All behavior is a form of communication, but sometimes it can be hard to decipher what our children are communicating. When kids hit, kick, spit, punch, throw or push, parents often ask me, “is this sensory or is it behavior?”

I’m here to end that debate once and for all. Well, maybe not end it, but at least help you reframe it.

Because what the real question should be is “What is it my child is trying to communicate with me right now?”

Listen to this episode to hear more about the sensory and behavior link. [continue reading]

Accommodation vs. Exposure for Sensory Kids

So you have a sensory sensitive child who’s sensitive to seams of socks, mushy textured food, messy play, or toilets flushing. What should you do? Do you accommodate every environment and task for them so they can avoid the sensory triggers altogether? Does that make them spoiled? Should you force them to get used to it? Where do you draw the line? Listen to this episode to find out how I talk about accommodating vs. exposure. [continue reading]

Having a mixed threshold child

One of the most common questions I get asked about is if children can have mixed thresholds, meaning seek some sensory input and be sensitive to others. The answer is yes! A child can have a whole grab-bag of surprises when it comes to sensory profiles and sensory processing challenges. Listen to the episode to find out more. [continue reading]

Surviving the holidays with an SPD child

Forget thriving, how can we survive the holiday season with a neurodivergent child? Well I don’t have a magic wand, but I do have some tips for you to hopefully set you all up for success. Here’s a hint- it all has to do with building in familiar routines. [continue reading]

Classroom Accommodations for Sensory Needs

It’s our job as parents and educators to make sure that our children’s learning styles and sensory needs are supported and accommodated in the classroom. What are some of the classroom modifications and accommodations we can ask for to support our children with sensory differences? I’ll answer that in this podcast episode. [continue reading]

Sensory Sensitivity Signs in children

Let’s talk about what it can look like when a child has a low sensory threshold. These are known as the sensory sensitive children, sensory avoiders, hypersensitive children. They often go into fight or flight mode. This sensory profile can also overlap with anxiety.

Let’s talk about what it can look like when a child has a low sensory threshold. These are known as the sensory sensitive children, sensory avoiders, hypersensitive children. They often go into fight or flight mode. This sensory profile can also overlap with anxiety. [continue reading]